Core Insights - DLL and Iveco Group are forming a Joint Venture (JV) to enhance access to low- to zero-emission commercial vehicles in Europe [1][2] - DLL will acquire a 51% stake in GATE, a subsidiary of Iveco Group, while Iveco Group retains 49% [2] - The JV aims to provide financial backing and asset financing expertise to accelerate GATE's growth and development [2][3] Company Overview - DLL is a global asset finance company with a managed portfolio exceeding EUR 47 billion, operating in over 25 countries [5] - DLL focuses on various industries including Agriculture, Construction, Energy Transition, and Transportation, providing financial solutions throughout the asset life cycle [5] - Iveco Group is a leader in the automotive sector, encompassing brands that specialize in commercial vehicles, powertrain technologies, and mass transit solutions [6][7] Strategic Goals - The JV will facilitate sustainable mobility through rental solutions tailored to customer needs, expanding GATE's operations beyond Italy to France and Germany, with plans for further expansion [3] - DLL's CEO emphasized the commitment to energy transition and decarbonization through partnerships and innovative financing solutions [4] - Iveco Group's President highlighted the collaboration as a significant step towards supporting customers in their energy transition efforts [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for 2024 was $25.2 million, a 29% increase from $19.5 million in 2023, driven by increased unit sales and higher average selling prices [30] - Gross profit for 2024 increased by 30% to $5.9 million compared to $4.5 million in the previous year, with a gross profit margin of 23.4% [30][32] - The net loss for 2024 was $10.8 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, compared to a loss of $1.2 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, in 2023 [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a fourth-quarter revenue of $5.3 million, up from $4.8 million in the prior year, attributed to increased sales volume and higher customization [24][25] - The average selling price per vehicle increased by $25,000, contributing to the overall revenue growth [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has begun to establish a retail presence, with the first retail location opened in West Palm Beach, Florida, and a second in Nantucket, which are expected to enhance customer engagement and sales [19][20] - Currently, retail locations contribute about 20% of leads and sales, shifting from a previous 100% reliance on digital channels [48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its retail strategy to enhance customer engagement and reduce marketing costs associated with mobile outreach [17][19] - ECD Auto Design is focusing on building a luxury brand akin to LVMH in the classic car space, leveraging licensing agreements to consolidate the custom defender market [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about reaching a crossover point for cash flow positive operations at approximately 10 units sold per month, with current sales at about 8.5 units [39] - The company is actively monitoring tariffs and has implemented internal controls to mitigate potential impacts on pricing and margins [50][51] Other Important Information - The company has undergone a re-audit of its financials due to the shutdown of its prior auditor, which has delayed filings but is now up to date [7][12] - The company has a cash balance of $1.5 million as of December 31, 2024, down from $8.1 million the previous year, with plans to maintain production and sales at current cash levels [32][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding non-recurring charges and growth potential - The analyst inquired about the impact of non-recurring charges on future income from operations, suggesting that reasonable growth could lead to positive cash flow [38] Response: Cash flow crossover point - Management indicated that the crossover point for cash flow positive operations is around 10 units per month, with expectations to reach this soon due to backlog and retail site launches [39][40] Question: Split between web-based sales and retail locations - The analyst asked about the sales mix between digital channels and retail locations [44] Response: Current sales mix - Management noted that currently, 80% of sales come from digital channels and 20% from retail, indicating a significant shift in marketing strategy [48] Question: Mitigation of tariff impacts - The analyst requested insights on how the company plans to mitigate tariff impacts [49] Response: Internal controls and pricing strategy - Management explained that they have committed to not increasing base contract prices and have adjusted upgrade pricing to offset tariff impacts [50][51]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales of steering products increased by 18.6% year-over-year in Q4 2024, with annual net sales rising by 12.9% to a record $650.9 million [7][24] - Gross profit for 2024 increased by 5.2% year-over-year to $109.2 million, while gross margin decreased to 16.8% from 18% in 2023 [12][25] - Net income attributable to parent company's common shareholders was $30 million in 2024, down from $37.7 million in 2023, resulting in diluted income per share of $0.99 compared to $1.25 in 2023 [14][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric power steering (EPS) product sales rose by 29.9% year-over-year for 2024, contributing significantly to overall sales growth [7][24] - Traditional steering products grew by 4.3% year-over-year, while sales from the subsidiary Henglong to the Chinese passenger vehicle market increased by 20% [8][24] - North American operations reported lower sales in 2024 due to reduced demand from Stellantis [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Chinese GDP increased by 5.4% in Q4 2024, with an annual growth of 5% [9] - Combined unit sales of passenger and commercial vehicles in China increased by 4.5% year-over-year to 31.4 million units in 2024, with new energy vehicle sales growing by 35.5% [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to benefit from the transition from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains and from human driving to autonomous driving [18] - Management is focusing on expanding the EPS portfolio and developing advanced driver systems technologies [18] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledged challenges in the Chinese economy, including declining population and sluggish consumer demand, but expressed confidence in sustainable sales growth [10][15] - Revenue guidance for 2025 is set at $700 million, primarily driven by expected growth in EPS sales [34] Other Important Information - A special cash dividend of $0.80 per common share was paid in August 2024, reflecting confidence in cash flow generation [15][16] - The company has implemented a share buyback program of up to $5 million [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: What areas will generate the projected sales growth for 2025? - Management indicated that the majority of the sales increase will come from EPS sales, expecting a 30% year-over-year increase in volume, translating to an additional 400,000 units in 2025 [41]